The main event of UFC Fight Night 29 was a welterweight bout between submission specialist as Jake Shields was able to grind out a split decision victory over Demian Maia.
As the opening bell sounded, Maia came forward and was able to get the fight to the ground. Maia landed several strikes on the mat before Shields was able to get back to his feet.
Maia would get the fight back to the ground and would transition to the back of Shields. Maia would not be able to get a submission and Shields would get him off his back. Shields would get top position with 90 seconds left in the round and stay in the position until the round came to an end.
Shields attempted to get the fight back to the ground at the beginning of the second round and he eventually got the fight to the ground. He worked his ground strikes while controlling Maia near the fence. Shields would maintain the position until the end of the round and Maia struggled to mount much offense off his back.
After a grappling affair in the opening ten minuted, they started the first two minutes of the third round by striking with each other. Maia would take the fight to the ground but Shields was able to reverse the position. Shields would keep the fight on the ground for the remainder of the round by using his striking and not allowing Maia to attempt any submissions on his back.
The fourth round would see Shields begin to wear down and have trouble getting the fight to the ground. Maia was able to take control of the round in the final two minutes of the round as he had the top position on the ground.
In the final round, Shields attempted to get the fight to the ground in the opening minute of the round. The attempt would not be successful and went for another takedown. Once again, he could not get the fight to the ground. After a brief striking exchange, Shields attempted to get the fight to the ground in the final minute.
He would not be able to get the fight to the ground and the judges scorecards would decide the winner. Two of the three judges would score the fight Shields (29-6-1, 1NC) has won back to back fights in the welterweight division.
UFC Fight Night 29 Results:
Jake Shields def. Demian Maia via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Dong Hyun Kim def. Erick Silva via KO (punch) – Round 2, 3:01
Thiago Silva def. Matt Hamill via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)
Fábio Maldonado def. Joey Beltran via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Rousimar Palhares def. Mike Pierce via submission (ankle lock) – Round 1, :31
Raphael Assunção def. TJ Dillashaw via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Igor Araujo def. Ildemar Alcantara via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Yan Cabral def. David Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Chris Cariaso def. Iliarde Santos via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:31
Alan Patrick def. Garett Whiteley via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:54